A BURNHAM nursing home has submitted plans to build a two-storey extension that would deliver 13 more bedrooms for elderly residents.

Burnham Lodge Nursing Home, located on Berrow Road, currently provides accommodation for 20 residents. 

The nursing home was rated ‘good’ by the Care Quality Commission during its last inspection in April 2019.

Inspectors said residents were treated with “kindness, dignity and respect”.

Burnham Lodge says its proposed additional wing would “deliver an urgent need for additional bed space within the town, enabling elderly residents to reside locally whilst receiving the specialist care they require”.

The nursing home also says there is a national need to “meet an increasing shortage of senior living accommodation”.

If approved, the extension would increase the nursing home's footprint from 463 square metres to 663 square metres. 

Read more: Burnham set to lose second care home in a matter of months 

The application, submitted by APW Planning, says: “The proposed extension will deliver much-needed housing accommodation to meet a growing need for providing care facilities for the elderly population.

“The proposed development will provide a short-term increase in construction and related employment, and a social role by enabling residents to remain in the area.

“The proposed materials draw upon the palette of materials used in the construction of Burnham Lodge, including brick elevations, vertical tile hanging, and a pitched roof.

“The proposal also reflects the traditional materials used in the wider locality.

“The site is within a sustainable location with excellent public transport links to the town centre and surrounds.

“The application reflects a previous approval granted by the Planning Department in 2011. The permission was not implemented at the time.”

APW Planning submitted the proposals (application number 11/23/00031) to Somerset Council on Wednesday, June 14. 

Residents can comment on the plans until Friday, July 18.